Yet another tool: Weebly

Have been visiting websites for a long time, never thought of how simple it is to create a website. I created my own website using 'Weebly'. Now the challenge is for me to learn how to use the web as an effective teaching tool. Also I need to understand all the functions myself before I embark on sharing this knowledge.
Learning can take place anywhere not necessary a class room. A wonderful tool for distant education. Any subjects can be learned. Students can learn at their own pace.  You can go into other links to research more on your subject. A great way to use websites is to upload class work, projects, research and this can be shared with parents and the community. Homework, quizzes and lessons can be published on a web. Students can create their own website which will give them more confidence in using the web. The web allows us to upload and embed images. Learning is initiated by the student.

The downside is that we should be technology savvy to use a web. There is no monitoring of the amount of time a student has spent on the subject. There is no face to face interaction. It is very impersonal.

Another Wiki night

Once again I have entered the world of Wiki. Another tool in my learning experience. From my past experience of using Wiki, I found it messy. I have been told messy is good but not too sure. Would I use it as a teaching tool. If it engages and enhances learning I would.
 Constructivism at work here. Another tool where the learner does not just acquire the knowledge but constructs it. It is learner centered.
What is Wiki? It is an online space, like an online butcher paper. You can edit, delete, alter anything that is written on it. It is a collaborative tool. It is a space where you can share your research, knowledge and opinion. Wikipedia is a great example of group work and sharing of knowledge.

No two people can edit a Wiki at the same time. Rules have to be followed and we must be mindful of other peoples input. Fortunately there, you can recall the history. If used as a teaching tool then it needs to be scaffolded. It is not a very safe learning site as anyone can add wrong information.

Every tool has its uses and limitations and Wiki is one of them. It can be useful in the classroom, to plan a field trip. As a group activity to write a book. Solve difficult maths problems. Build a word bank relating to a topic.







    
image courtesy: teaching.unsw.edu.au

Being part of the Blogging commmunity

It has been an interesting journey so far in ICT. Sharing my thoughts and reflections with the outside world. Learning new skills and collaborating with others. 
What are my thoughts on blogging in context to teaching?
 
image courtesy: www.fairviewmb.ca

•  Through blogs students are able to communicate and interact with the outside world.
• Can exchange ideas, opinions with others.
•  Develops a new set of skills and attitudes
• Teachers can communicate with parents and students
• Anything that is beneficial to the student can be posted such as assignments, homework, suggested readings.
• Can be linked to the internet which is related to their topic
• Class discussion can take place
• Greater social interaction and gives confidence to students and gives a voice to all students irrespective of who or where they come from.
• It is easy to use
• Encourages students to express their thoughts in writing
• Improves their written expression skill
• It can be used as a group blog where individual students research and contribute to a part of the topic which put together covers a whole topic
• Feedback is provided

 
      image courtesy:  webpages.uah.edu

•  Cyber bullying through comments
• If not scaffolded properly will not have the desired result
• Time consuming
• Needs to be constantly updated 
• Can be misused if the safe and ethical guidelines are not followed
• There needs to be a focus 

  
image courtesy: www.probitas.net 
 There are more advantages to disadvantages in using blogs as a learning tool. As teachers we are able to communicate with both the students and their parents. Class newsletters can be posted. Parents are able to contribute to their child's learning. Students learn responsibility. Blogs are engaging.

Here is an example of a teacher being unethical with her postings on the blog.